The U.S. Women opened the Pia Sundhage era with a decisive 4-0 win over Canada Wednesday in the opening game of the Four Nations Tournament in China. Amy Rodriguez scored twice in her first start for the national team; Lindsay Tarpley got the other two – all goals coming in the second half. The young U.S. defense looked solid, as well, with two rookies in the back four and Hope Solo seeming to have cemented her role as starting goalie. China beat Finland, 2-0, in the other first-round game. The round-robin tournament continues in Guangzhou Jan. 18 and 20.
You’ve got to love cup competitions like the English FA Cup – open to every accredited football team in the country, on every level – where a semipro team can go on a run for a few games and find themselves on the pitch with some of the best players in the world. So it was this week, as the semipro Havant & Waterlooville Hawks, who play in a division called Blue Square South, stunned League One Swansea to advance to the FA Cup fourth round. Next up: a date with mighty Liverpool at their legendary Anfield. Go Hawks.
This article appears in January 18 • 2008.